Peanut Swirl Brownies Recipe

Creamy smooth peanut butter and rich semisweet chocolate elevate these peanut swirl brownies to a decadent treasure you’ll always want at the center of your dessert platter. It’s delicious with a scoop of vanilla bean ice cream, a cold glass of milk, a dollop of whipped cream, a hot cup of espresso; in fact most things.

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Peanut Swirl Brownies Recipe Ingredients

• 1 pound unsalted butter
• 1 pound plus 12 ounces semisweet chocolate chips, divided
• 6 ounces unsweetened chocolate
• 6 extra-large eggs
• 3 tablespoons instant coffee granules
• 2 tablespoons pure vanilla extract
• 2 1/4 cups sugar
• 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour, divided
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 3/4 cup smooth peanut butter

How To Make Peanut Swirl Brownies Recipe

1. Prep the pan and melt: Preheat your oven to 175ºC/350ºF. Prepare a 12 by 18 by 1 1/2-inch sheet pan by buttering and flourishing it well to ensure the brownies don’t stick. In a medium heat-proof bowl set over a pot of simmering water, melt together the butter, 1 pound of the semisweet chocolate chips, and the unsweetened chocolate until perfectly smooth, then set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Whisk the egg base: In a large mixing bowl, stir together the extra-large eggs, instant coffee granules, vanilla extract, and sugar. It is important to stir rather than beat this mixture, as you want to avoid incorporating too much air which would make the brownies more cake-like rather than fudgy.
3. Combine the mixtures: Carefully stir the warm, melted chocolate mixture into the egg mixture. Allow this combined base to sit until it reaches room temperature before moving on to the dry ingredients.
4. Add the dry ingredients: In a separate medium bowl, sift together 1 cup of the all-purpose flour, the baking powder, and the kosher salt. Fold these into the cooled chocolate batter until just combined.
5. Toss the chips: In another small bowl, toss the remaining 12 ounces of chocolate chips with the remaining 1/4 cup of flour. This light coating of flour ensures that the chips stay suspended in the batter rather than sinking to the bottom of the pan. Fold the floured chips into the main batter.
6. Swirl the peanut butter: Pour the thick chocolate batter into your prepared sheet pan and smooth it to the edges. Spoon the smooth peanut butter in dollops over the top of the mixture, then use a butter knife to gently swirl it through the chocolate, creating a beautiful marbled pattern.
7. Bake and rap: Slide the pan into the oven and bake for 20 minutes. At this point, carefully lift one side of the baking sheet and “rap” it against the oven shelf to force any trapped air to escape from between the pan and the dough. Return to the oven and bake for another 10 to 15 minutes until a toothpick comes out clean.
8. Chill and slice: Allow the brownies to cool thoroughly on a wire rack, then place the entire pan in the refrigerator for at least an hour. This chilling process is the secret to getting those perfectly clean, sharp edges when you cut them into large squares.

Recipe Tips

• Why you shouldn’t beat the eggs: Stirring gently prevents the formation of a “meringue” top and keeps the interior incredibly dense and fudgy, which is the hallmark of a great brownie.
• The “Rap” technique: Rapping the pan halfway through baking is a classic professional baker’s trick. It collapses the air bubbles that cause brownies to be “cakey,” resulting in a much more intense, chocolatey texture.
• How to get clean cuts: Always refrigerate the brownies before slicing. A cold brownie is much firmer and won’t crumble or stick to your knife as you slice through the thick peanut butter swirls.
• Quality of chocolate: Because this recipe uses a large amount of chocolate, the quality matters. Use a high-quality semisweet chip and a good unsweetened baking chocolate for the most sophisticated flavor.

What To Serve With Peanut Swirl Brownies Recipe?

This Peanut Swirl Brownies Recipe is a rich, indulgent treat that needs a cool or bitter finish! A scoop of Vanilla Bean Ice Cream is the classic choice to balance the deep chocolate and salty peanut butter. For a more sophisticated touch, a sprinkle of Flaky Sea Salt on top adds a lovely savory note that cuts through the sugar! A hot Double Espresso or a cold Glass of Whole Milk pairs wonderfully with the dense, fudgy texture.

How To Store Peanut Swirl Brownies Recipe

• Refrigerate: These brownies are actually best kept in the refrigerator, where they stay firm and fudgy. They will last for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
• Room Temperature: If you prefer them softer, you can keep them in a container on the counter for up to 3 days.
• Freeze: Wrap individual large squares in plastic wrap and then foil. They freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight or for 30 minutes on the counter before serving.

Peanut Swirl Brownies Recipe Nutrition Facts

• Calories: 380 kcal (per large square)
• Total Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 14 g
• Cholesterol: 85 mg
• Sodium: 190 mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Protein: 6 g

Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.

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